8.2.7. Common health and nutrition problems in infants and young children

We have learnt in Chapter X in Part I how malnutrition and infections are interrelated. In fact malnutrition is a national problem. It is a consequence of several factors such as illiteracy, poverty, ignorance about nutritional needs of children, and poor access to health care, especially in rural and tribal areas.

This chunk introduces the concept of malnutrition as a serious issue affecting children. It highlights how malnutrition is often linked with infections and explains some of the root causes, including factors like poverty and lack of education. Understanding these causes helps us realize that improving nutrition requires addressing larger social issues.

Imagine a small village where many families struggle to afford enough nutritious food. The children in this village often fall sick because their bodies are weak from not getting the right nutrients. By addressing issues like education and access to food, we can help improve their health.

Children begin to be malnourished when breast milk is no longer available in adequate amounts and they continue to remain so till they can make full use of the family diet. During this period incidence of diarrhoea is very common in infants.

Malnutrition can start when infants stop receiving enough breast milk. This is a critical transition period where they may not yet be able to eat regular family meals. Additionally, diarrhoea becomes common during this time, which can further deplete their nutrients and hydration, leading to a more severe malnutrition cycle.

Think about a baby who is weaning off breast milk and not getting enough solid food yet. This baby may have frequent tummy troubles (diarrhoea) that prevent them from absorbing nutrients, making it tough for them to grow strong and healthy.

Nutritional deficiency diseases may set in at this stage if the infant is not exclusively breast fed and when complementary foods do not meet the nutrient needs of infants. Let us list the important deficiency diseases that may occur in childhood precisely: Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM), Anemia, Nutritional blindness, Rickets and osteopenia, Goitre.

This section details specific nutritional deficiencies that can occur due to inadequate nutrition in early childhood. Each deficiency has its own consequences: for example, Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) affects growth, while anemia can lead to weakness and tiredness. It's crucial that infants receive both breastfeeding and appropriate complementary foods to avoid these serious health issues.

Consider a child who isn't getting enough iron in their diet. Over time, they may develop anemia, making them feel tired and weak, just like a car that runs low on fuel. If we ensure they eat iron-rich foods like lentils and spinach, it’s like filling up the fuel tank.

Much of the major effects of nutrition on communicable diseases have already been focussed in the previous chapter. The six dreaded communicable diseases namely polio, diphtheria, tuberculosis, pertusis, measles and tetanus compound the incidence of mortality and morbidity, more so in developing countries like India.

This chunk discusses how malnutrition not only affects physical health but also makes children more susceptible to infectious diseases. The mention of communicable diseases highlights that poor nutrition is both a cause and a consequence of disease, particularly in regions where healthcare may be lacking.

Imagine a garden that isn't receiving enough water (nutrition). The plants not only struggle to grow but also become easy targets for pests (diseases). Likewise, malnourished children may become more prone to illnesses like polio or measles.

In rural and tribal areas, factors such as poor access to health centres, climatic conditions, certain local customs, and use of untested traditional methods of treatment increase the child’s susceptibility to infectious diseases.

This section elaborates on how environmental and social factors contribute to malnutrition in rural and tribal communities. Lack of access to medical care and nutrition education can significantly hinder children's health. Customary practices may also impact dietary choices, sometimes detracting from nutritional needs.

Consider a remote village where families rely entirely on traditional medicine and don't have access to healthcare professionals. Their children may suffer more illness because they're not receiving proper treatment or nutrition advice—similar to trying to repair a car with no mechanic around.

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